Pete Wild hails Luke Charman as 'a top lad and a top player'

The attacker came off the bench to score his first goal of the season on Saturday, producing a superb first-time finish to make it 2-1 to Pools as they recorded a remarkable comeback win over newly-promoted Hornchurch.

Wild's side appeared to be staring down the barrel of what would have been an 11th defeat in 13 matches after finding themselves a goal and a man down midway through the second half at the weekend.

After an even opening period, veteran Angelo Balanta capitalised on a rare mistake from the returning Max Merrick to put the visitors in front less than a minute after the restart, his first goal of the season.